1958 Aston Martin DB MKIII Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Tickford
Chassis no. AM300/3/1725
Engine no. DBA/1339

Two years after the introduction of the DB2/4 MkII came the DB Mark III, 551 of which, mainly saloons, were made between March 1957 and July 1959. Externally the most obvious change was the adoption of a DB3S-style grille, establishing the 'hallmark' look of subsequent Aston Martins. This restyled nose give the car a more imposing look, while the interior boasted a redesigned dashboard with instruments grouped in a cowled panel ahead of the driver.

The 3.0-litre DBA engine benefited from an extensive redesign by Tadek Marek (newly arrived from Austin) and featured, among other improvements, a stiffer block, stronger crankshaft, and a new cylinder head with bigger valves. 162bhp was available with the single-pipe exhaust system, 178bhp with the optional twin-pipe version. Elsewhere there were improvements to both clutch and gearbox; Laycock overdrive became available and front disc brakes were standard after the first 100 cars had been built, commencing at chassis '1401'. Despite the inevitable weight increase, the Mark III was faster than any of its predecessors with a top speed of 120mph.

Copies of factory paperwork on file reveal that chassis number '1725' was delivered to British Motor Car Distributors Ltd (Mr Robert MacLean) on 30th October 1958. A left-hand drive export model, the car left the Newport Pagnell factory finished in Elusive Blue with black Connolly hide interior trim, and was equipped with three-ear hubcaps, a Hydra Booster, and a large heater. After taking delivery, the owner (proprietor of Sweeney's Motor Cars of Marin County, California) toured Europe in his new Aston Martin before shipping it to the USA.
In the autumn of 1959, Sweeney's sold the car to a Mr Dennis, who thus became its first registered owner. Mr Dennis used the Aston to commute to and from his San Francisco office for several years, and during his ownership the car was fitted with an over-rider to the bumper bar. By the 1990s, it is understood the Aston was in need of restoration, and in 1998 Mr Dennis entrusted Kevin Kay with a body-off rebuild to original factory specification, while incorporating some discreet upgrades to improve driveability.

The current vendor purchased the car at a US auction in January 2010 and exported it, the seller being a Mr Anthony Symmes of Paradise, California. A copy of the bill of sale is on file together with a State of California Certificate of Title, copy auction catalogue description, and the aforementioned factory record copies. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.